When comfort food meets weeknight convenience, you get this rich and creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. With its velvety sauce and tender pasta paired with hearty ground beef, this dish quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it’s simple enough to whip up with pantry staples.

This pasta dish brings together the savory flavor of seasoned ground beef, the perfect bite of bowtie (farfalle) pasta, and a luxurious creamy cheese sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe has your back. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, cozy Sunday dinners, or even as a satisfying lunch meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Hearty & Satisfying: The combination of pasta and beef makes it a complete, filling dish.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Family Friendly: Kid-approved flavors and no fancy ingredients.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or swap the beef for turkey or sausage.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as leftovers!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Needed for browning the beef and mixing in the creamy sauce. Choose one with deep sides.
Large Pot: To boil the bowtie pasta until al dente.
Colander: For draining the pasta without overcooking it.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps break apart the beef and stir sauces gently without scratching non-stick cookware.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Essential for accurate seasoning and sauce consistency.

Each of these tools plays a crucial role in maintaining texture, timing, and the rich creaminess of the final dish.

Ingredients for the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Ground Beef: Adds richness and savory flavor. Choose 80/20 for a good fat balance.
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Its unique shape holds sauce perfectly and brings visual appeal.
Cream Cheese: Adds a velvety smooth base to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: For an ultra-creamy, luxurious texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharpness and extra cheesiness.
Beef Broth: Enhances the flavor and thins the sauce without losing richness.
Minced Garlic: For aromatic depth and flavor boost.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that balances all the ingredients.
Italian Seasoning or Parsley (optional): Adds a touch of herbaceous brightness.

How To Make the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 11-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Then pour in the beef broth and stir in cream cheese. Let it melt down, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Cheddar and Cream

Stir in shredded cheddar and heavy cream. Mix until a thick, creamy sauce forms. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes to thicken slightly and allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot with extra cheese or a sprinkle of parsley on top for freshness.

Serving and Storing Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Serve this creamy pasta straight from the skillet while it’s warm and gooey. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

For leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth and microwave in intervals, stirring to restore creaminess.

This dish also freezes well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells work well. Just choose a shape that can hold the creamy sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. Simply prepare as directed, cool, and store. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It is! Store cooled pasta in airtight containers. For best texture, thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in some diced jalapeños while cooking the beef.

Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work just as well.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious dishes from the blog:

Try our Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for another rich, satisfying favorite.
The Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini brings flavor-packed pasta to your table in minutes.
For a baked twist, check out the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
Craving spice? The One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta will hit the spot.
Or dive into our cozy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for weeknight ease.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you toss in spinach? Try a different cheese blend? Add a kick of spice?

I love hearing how you customize these recipes to make them your own. Questions are always welcome too — let’s keep cooking deliciously together!

🧡 Want more comfort classics and dinner inspo? Check out my daily recipes over on Pinterest Kitchen By Kate.